“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
(1 Peter 4:10; NASB)

 Do you know as a believer you have a special gift that enables you to serve in the body of Christ? Most of us are familiar with the speaking gifts of preaching and teaching, but there are many others. In First Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 we are given instruction regarding the spiritual gifts. There are hospitality gifts, administration gifts, leadership gifts; everything needed to build His church, care for each other, and show the manifest glory of the Father in this world. In working within God’s gifting you will find satisfaction simply by doing it. For instance, if your gift is giving, you will feel led to give at every opportunity. Not just money, but time, consultation, hands on work, and anything else you can find to do for someone who is in need. You will not need a pat on the back, financial rewards, or even slight recognition to be excited and fulfilled. Those feelings will come because you do it well and you enjoy doing it. It will also involve you serving others, which is always rewarded with a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

He also gives us talents such as art, music, building, athletics, cognitive understanding (logical or thoughtful understanding), just to name a few. All things that we develop and use to earn a living and navigate through life. Many of these natural gifts can be used in serving the church, but there is a difference between your talent and a spiritual gift. God has given you the natural talent you have such as playing an instrument, dancing, fixing things, drawing things, learning and teaching. You will learn faster and enjoy most the things God has given you a talent for. Spiritual gifts many times come according to the need or situation, your desire, your faith, and most importantly, God’s will. You will never know what that gift is if you are not willing to step out and do something like praying for the sick, or speaking to a group of people about Jesus, or leading a small group. God will show you your gift through your service to Him.

It would make sense at this point for you to ask, “how do I know what my gift is?” This is a common question with only one real answer. There are spiritual gift tests you can take but they are only as reliable as the answers you give. God will reveal your gift, or gifts, as you offer to do different things for His body. Whenever you see an opportunity in your church to help, pray and listen to His answer. If you truly want to serve Christ, you will want to jump in and help in any way possible. When someone is sick, pray for their healing. When an opportunity comes to evangelize with a team, take it. Ask the Lord for discernment and wisdom in your life. Ask Him to reveal your gifting as you give in all areas of church life until you know for sure the area that God has gifted you. You can be sure it’s there, (there may be more than one), and it’s already in you. Pray for God’s guidance to tap into the Holy Spirit led, inexhaustible gift He has given you.

Have a great week and God bless.